CONFIRMED: VW Gives Golf R US Approval, Will It Be Better Than MKIV R32?

CONFIRMED: VW Gives Golf R US Approval, Will It Be Better Than MKIV R32?
Why yes! The Volkswagen Golf R IS coming to the States. Things weren't looking so good there for a while.

Given the relatively cold reception of Volkswagen's MKV R32, you better believe that VW must have had a tough time figuring out if the US needed another hopped-up Golf. For most VW enthusiasts, the MKV R just wasn't unique enough to justify the cost, especially when the MKIV R32 made a damned good case for itself.

Remember the MKIV had those hardcore sport seats, a manual transmission and an exhaust that just needed a "flapper mod" that could make any gearhead smile from ear-to-ear.

With that said, the Agents want to know:

What does the Golf R NEED to have in order to make it a better car than the legendary MKIV R32?

Will more power be enough?


Hot hatches are mostly a European fad, but Volkswagen’s R- and GTI-badged products have proved successful in the North American market over the years. That said, VW loyalists will be happy to know that the new Golf R has finally received the green light for America. No specific launch date was given, but according to the official announcement, the U.S.-bound Golf R will be released in “limited numbers and for a very limited time” starting from 2012...

[Source: Carscoop]


Volkswagen's press release follows:

The European Golf R is simply the most powerful Volkswagen sports performance vehicle ever built. The car delivers the ultimate Volkswagen driving experience with dynamic handling, refined road manners and unprecedented power for a Golf. It is Volkswagen’s performance halo vehicle, and at the request of VW enthusiasts, the company is bringing it to the U.S. in 2012.

Key attributes:

  • 2.0L turbocharged engine with significant hp increase over GTI
  • 4th generation Haldex 4Motion - all wheel drive
  • Increased rotor diameter translating to improved braking
  • Sport tuned ESP
  • Upgraded sport tuned suspension
  • 2 door or 4 door
  • Manual Transmission Only
  • Unique 18“ alloy  wheels
  • Unique steering wheel
  • Unique interior trim
  • Exterior R model badge and bodykit
  • R model shift knob
  • R model door sills
  • R model front and rear fascia with dual, center exit, exhaust



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freeagentfreeagent - 12/12/2010 5:53:26 PM
+1 Boost
high end stereo option


Agent00RAgent00R - 12/12/2010 6:04:51 PM
+1 Boost
@freeagent

You know, the new Dynaudio in Golf's tend to be decent but just need more power.


LexSucksLexSucks - 12/12/2010 8:20:01 PM
+1 Boost
Better than an R32? Shouldn't be too hard.


Agent00RAgent00R - 12/12/2010 8:44:39 PM
+1 Boost
Are you speaking about the MKV or MKIV?

MKIV is highly regarded while MKV was sort of a red-headed step child because it wasn't differentiated enough from the GTI.


WhelanWhelan - 12/13/2010 8:24:54 AM
0 Boost
I'm OK with the stock stereo, that is not a sell factor for me.

The 3.2L VR6 engine while venerable has been around for a decade and is showing it's age. VW would have a tough time with all the new more stringent rules and taxes being placed on fuel consumption and the like. Not to mention their 1.8T and 2.0T engines can be tuned to outperform the VR6 with much less money and less work.

I'm a bigger fan of turbo 4's anyways and have already put myself on the list at my dealer for more info and purchasing a Golf R. I guess I am one of the crazies who finds all that it offers very appealing regardless if it is slightly over 30K or not. I'm not a die hard VW fan, or some performance geek. But if I am looking to spend almost $30k on a comparably featured Subaru WRX sedan (the Subie hatches are ugly to me), then I might as well go for something I like and find appealing. The WRX starts at $25 or 26, but to get it comparably equipped to the Golf R you are going to have to get the Limited with leather and foglamps which at the end can tally up to this price point anyways. Not to mention Subaru interiors are more performance driver oriented than luxury. And at almost 30 and starting a family as a professional, I want a daily driver that is floggable but poised and comfortable.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/13/2010 6:33:39 PM
+2 Boost
whelan

You do know that the new R is a 2.0l Turbo Unit ?


mini22mini22 - 12/13/2010 10:26:28 AM
+1 Boost
VW shopuld be sending us the Scirocco. Why send a vehicle that is almost identical to the Golf GTI in looks. Since VW is going to charge 32 grand plus for this thing shouldn't consumers get a prettier body style to go along with the price increase.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/13/2010 6:34:46 PM
+2 Boost
Sirocco R is Front Wheel Driven

Golf R is All Wheel Driven


WhelanWhelan - 12/13/2010 11:40:01 AM
+1 Boost
They had me at AWD. What are the AWD hatchbacks in this segment available in the US market today.

1-Toyota Matrix
2-Subaru WRX/STI
3-Suzuki SX4

One is an overweight slushbox with no performance (at least not since 2008 when you could still get the 1.8VVTL-i 180hp engine and 6 gears). Two is not very attractive in a hatchback and not upscale in it's interior at all. And Three is a small econo hatch the size of a mini-cooper. I'll pass on all three.
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